Irwin County GaArchives History .....History of Irwin County, Chapter 8, part 2 1932 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 June 12, 2004, 9:19 pm MILITIA DISTRICTS AND NEW COUNTIES. At the September term, 1840, in the Inferior Court a new militia district was established, commencing at Dooly County line on the Alapaha River, taking down to the mouth of Sand Creek and from there to David Branch's and from thence to Hat Creek and up to the Middle road, from thence to ford on Little River taking the river to the fork and thence taking Daniel Creek to district line, taking it from thence to the Alapaha. Commissioners appointed to lay it off were Lott Whiddon and William Fletcher. CLINCH COUNTY CREATED, 1850. An act of the Legislature was passed in 1850, creating the county of Clinch, bounded as follows: Commencing at the mouth of Cane Creek, where it emptied into the Okefenokee Swamp, thence along said creek to the ford at Daniel Lane, thence a direct line to the mouth of Reedy Creek, where it empties into the Satilla River near John B. Wall's, thence the river to the line up to the county line, thence the county line to the Alapaha River, thence the river to the line of the Florida line to the Okefenokee Swamp. The territory thus included shall form a county called Clinch. An act approved February 23, 1850, provided that the residence and premises of Stephen Hurst, Sr., of Irwin County shall be added to the county of Baker. WORTH COUNTY CREATED. At the session of the Legislature in 1853, the new county of Worth was laid out with the following boundaries: Beginning at southeast corner of thirteenth district of Dooly County, running a due west course on district line to the south-west corner of said district, thence in the northwest direction to the nearest south prong or fork of Swift Creek, thence down the run of Swift Creek to its mouth or junction with Flint River. That the elections for county officers shall be held at San Bernard "in Irwin County and the public business generally and the election shall be held and transacted at San Bernard in Irwin County until public site shall be located by judges of Inferior Court." COFFEE COUNTY CREATED. An act of the Legislature, approved February 9, 1854, created Coffee County, bounded as follows: Beginning at corner of lot numbers 156 and 157 in tenth district, formerly Irwin, now Clinch County, running due east along original line to district line dividing tenth district, formerly Irwin, now Clinch, and the seventh district, formerly Appling, now Clinch County to the corner of lots 161 and 162 in the seventh district, thence due east along the original line to the line dividing Clinch and Ware counties, thence up said line to Red Bluff Creek, thence along said creek to the Satilla River, thence down said river to the dividing line of seventh and eighth districts of formerly Appling, now Ware County, thence due north along the district line, dividing said districts and the districts numbers five and six in originally Appling, now Ware County, thence along the line, dividing the counties, thence along the line of Appling and Telfair to the Ocmulgee River, thence up said river to Coffee road, thence taking the road to the Lowndes County line, thence due east to the Alapaha River, thence down said river to the place of beginning. An act approved December 5, 1856, provided that all that portion of Coffee County on west side of Willacoochee River be added to Irwin County. An act approved December 22, 1857, provided that line between Coffee and Irwin shall be as follows: Commencing at northwest corner of lot of land number twenty-nine in fourth district, originally Irwin, running south direct on the line of column of which number twenty-nine belongs to the south-west corner of lot of land number sixteen to the Berrien County line. An act approved December 13, 1858, provided that line between Irwin and Coffee counties should be as follows: Commencing at northwest corner of lot number twenty-nine in fourth district, originally Irwin, running south on the line of the column of which number twenty-nine belongs to the Coffee road, thence the Coffee road as it now stands to the Berrien County line. That Duncan B. Graham, John Hill and Timothy Fussell of county of Coffee and George J. M. Harper, John B. Mobley and George E. McCook of county of Irwin be appointed commissioners to run out and mark in a clear manner by blazes and stakes, the line between Coffee and Irwin. BERRIEN COUNTY CREATED. On February 25, 1856, the Legislature passed an act, creating county called Berrien out of counties of Lowndes, Coffee and Irwin, bounded as follows: Commencing where the district lines dividing the tenth and eleventh districts in Lowndes County crosses the Alapaha River, thence up said river to the dividing line between Coffee and Irwin counties, thence north along the line between Irwin and Coffee to the northeast corner of lot of land number 268 in fifth district of Irwin County, thence west along the north line of same range of lots as that upon which said 268 is located to Little River in sixth district of Irwin County, thence in a southerly direction down to the point, where said Little River enters the ninth district of Lowndes County, thence down the main prong of said Little River to where the same crosses the dividing line between lots of land numbers 495 and 494, thence along said line to the northwest corner of lot of land number 472, thence east along said land line to Mill Creek, thence in a southerly direction down said creek to northeast corner of lot of land number 573, to the northeast corner of said lot of land, thence south along the line of said lot of land to the line dividing the ninth and twentieth districts of Lowndes County, thence east along said district line to the Alapaha River at the starting point. COLQUITT COUNTY CREATED. An act of the Legislature passed February 25, 1856, created Colquitt County, bounded as follows: From Thomas and Lowndes Counties, originally Irwin, including the eighth district of originally Irwin, now Thomas, and all that portion of ninth district, originally Irwin, now Lowndes County, lying west of Little River to where the river crosses the dividing line between lots of land numbers 443 and 444 in ninth district, thence south to the district line between ninth and twelfth districts. WILCOX COUNTY CREATED, 1857. An act of the Legislature, passed in 1857, created Wilcox County from Irwin, Dooly and Pulaski counties, bounded as follows: Commencing on Ocmulgee River at northwest corner of lot number twenty-five in eighth district, Pulaski County, from thence to southwest corner of lot number thirty-five in said district, thence due west to the line of sixth district of Dooly County, thence due south on the line dividing the sixth and twelfth districts to Deep Creek, and running down the east side of said creek until it strikes the southeast corner of lot number 179 in second district, Irwin County, thence running a straight line to the southeast corner of lot number 167 in third district of Irwin, from thence on a straight line to the southeast corner of lot number 174 in third district of Irwin, from thence on a straight line to the southeast corner of lot number 237 in third district of Irwin, and from thence on a straight line to the northeast corner of lot number 219 on the 0cmulgee River, and from thence up along the banks of said 0cmulgee to the beginning or starting point. An act approved December 13, 1858, provided that lots of land numbers 219, 254 and 256 in fourth district of Irwin County, belonging to the estate of James Hollingsworth be added to county of Wilcox. BROOKS COUNTY CREATED. An act of the Legislature, passed in 1858, created the county of Brooks from the counties of Lowndes and Thomas, which were originally Irwin. ECHOLS COUNTY CREATED. An act of the Legislature, passed in 1858, created the county of Echols from the counties of Lowndes and Clinch, which were originally Irwin County. DISTRICTS. At January term, 1823, of the Inferior Court, an order was passed, creating a new district, beginning at Alapaha River, running the old trail by the breastworks to the Wiggins' ford, Daniel Wiggins' and Richard Wiggins', including them and the Appling line, including them in third district. At January term, 1825, a district was laid out called fourth district, including all the territory southwest of Alapaha in said county. At July term, 1825, all that territory south of Little River in Irwin County shall form one district as number five. At January term, 1827, an order was passed to lay out a new district, beginning at dividing line of fifth and sixth districts, taking David Calaway's road to big Willacoochee, taking up big Willachoochee to the ten-mile trail, keeping the said trail around to the line of Lowndes County. At January term, 1834, it was ordered that all the county on west side of Little River form a new district. At January term, 1835, an order was passed, making new districts, beginning at the Alapaha at ten-mile trail, going on to Lyman Dixon's, and a direct course on to Robert L. Dixon's, and on to Bige Hall's, and going a direct course on to John Benefield's, and on to the mouth of Big Branch on the Alapaha, and running up the run of the Alapaha to the beginning. At July term, 1856, of the Inferior Court the following order was passed: According to the formation of Berrien County it has considerably cut off the 690th district, G. M., and cutting off so much of said district it has placed the original precinct on one side of the district. It is therefore ordered that the original district line be changed, so as to make the original land district line between sixth and second districts the district line for the future and that the house of David Branch in said district be known and established as the future precinct in and for said district and that the house of Alexander Bass be established as precinct for 982nd district for the future and the original precinct be set aside. Also the line of 518th district be changed, so as to make the original land district line between fifth and sixth districts the militia line and that the house of, or premises of John J. Henderson be established as election precinct for 518th district. At February term, 1878, an order was passed by the Court of Ordinary that the precinct of 690th district be removed from present location to where the road leading from Elbert Fletcher's to James Fletcher's crosses the Tifton road. WILLS, GUARDIANS, ADMINISTRATORS, ETC. The first will presented for probate was that of Charles James on March 4, 1822. Barbary James was named as executor. The witnesses were Frederick Williams and Nancy Williams (King), who were present in court. Appraisers appointed were Frederick Williams, Redding Hunter, Elijah Beasley, Robert H. Dixon and Emanuel Knowles. The first court of Ordinary held in Irwin County was on July 3, 1820, presided over by justices of the Inferior Court, to wit: John Sutton, David Calaway and David Williams. The first business transacted was the appointment of John Sutton, guardian for William Riley Adams, minor. At July term, 1821, David Calaway was appointed guardian for Mary Tayler, minor of Jonathan Tayler, deceased. The first letters of administration were issued to John Sutton, administrator of the estate of Amos Sutton, granted January 7, 1822. The appraisers of this estate were Murdock MeDuffie, Thomas Woodard, Robert Willis, David Hunter and Mathew Fain. At March term, 1822, letters of administration were granted to Murdock McDuffie on estate of Jacob Braswell and Robert Willis, John Sutton, James Wall, Anguish Nicklson, Daniel McDuffie were appointed appraisers. At the same term of court, Robert H. Dixon was granted letters of administration upon the estate of Moses Jernigan and John Sutton, Murdock McDuffie, Robert Williams, John S. Gilder and Daniel McDuffie were named as appraisers. Charity Jernigan applied for her dower out of said estate at same time. At the January term, 1823, Mary Fulwood was granted letters of administration on the estate of Andrew Fulwood. Sion Hall, Daniel Wiggins, John Sutton, Richard Wiggins and Wiley Vickers were appointed appraisers. Also Abigale Mc-Duffie and John C. Love were appointed administrators upon estate of Murdock McDuffie and John Fitzgerald and Mathew Fain, Sion Hall, John Sutton, Jr., and Silaway McCall were appointed appraisers. At the January term, 1825, an order was passed, appointing Sion Hall, Lud Mobley, John Underwood, Redding Hunter, William Hornsby, Benjamin Willis and John Sutton, Jr., to divide equally among the heirs of Murdock McDuffie all the negroes belonging to said deceased. At July term, 1825, letters of administration were granted to John Henderson and Sarah Henderson on estate of Daniel Henderson, and Willis King, John Sutton, Sion Hall, Benjamin Grantham and Jacob Paulk were appointed appraisers. Sarah Henderson, the widow, was allowed for a year's support, one thousand pounds of pork, seventy-five dollars in cash, one hundred pounds of sugar and twenty-five pounds of coffee. At September term, 1832, Jacob Paulk, William Bradford and Shaderick Griffin were appointed to make a division between the heirs of Daniel Henderson of the property of said estate. At January term, 1833, Redding Hunter and Mary Williams were appointed administrators of the estate of David Williams (this was the David Williams at whose house the first court of Irwin County was held). William Sloan, Thomas Young and A. McCelland were appointed appraisers. The widow Mary Williams was given for a year's support fifteen hundred pounds of pork, one hundred bushels of corn, two hundred pounds of sugar, fifty pounds of coffee, four good beeves and twenty gallons of gin. At September term, 1835, Nancy Mobley and Alex Mobley were appointed administrators on the estate of Ludd Mobley and William Fussell, Robert H. Dixon, Frederick Merritt, James Fussell and James L. Willcox were appointed appraisers. The widow Nancy Mobley was allowed for a year's support, six hundred bushels of corn, three thousand pounds of pork, six good beeves, two hundred pounds of coffee, four hundred pounds of sugar, five thousand pounds of fodder and ten gallons of spirituous liquor. William Sloan, William Fussell, Jacob Paulk and Woodson Willcox were appointed to make an equal division between the heirs of Ludd Mobley of all the Negroes belonging to said estate. At March term, 1837, William Sloan was appointed administrator of the estate of Thomas Hunter, deceased. William Bowen, Thomas Willcox, V. Hollingsworth, Robert H. Dixon, Baldwin G. Jenkins and Silos Covington were appointed appraisers and there was set aside as year's support for the widow Rebecca Hunter, two hundred fifty bushels of corn, one thousand pounds of bacon, two good beeves, fifty pounds of coffee, two barrels of sugar, four thousand pounds of fodder, ten gallons of liquor and five bushels of salt. At November term, 1840, the last will of Volentine Hollingsworth was presented for probate. At December term, 1840, Rebecca Jane Williams and Wright Parker were appointed administrators of the estate of Mathew Williams and Redding Hunter, Jacob Paulk, William Sloan, James C. Fussell and Elisha Tucker were appointed appraisers and the widow was allowed for a year's support, one hundred twenty-five bushels of corn, two stacks of fodder, twelve hundred pounds of pork, three beeves, sixty pounds of coffee, one hundred pounds of sugar, four bushels of salt, two gallons of liquor. At the July term, 1843, Mary Adams and James Adams were appointed administrators upon the estate of Miles Adams and A. L. McCall, James L. Willcox, George R. Reid, Samuel Brown and James Brown were appointed appraisers. The widow was given for a year's support, one hundred fifty bushels of corn, four hundred pounds of bacon, two beeves, one hundred pounds of coffee, one hundred pounds of lard, the crop of wheat, four bushels of salt, one barrel of sugar and three fat hogs. At the same term of court, James Hall was appointed administrator on the estate of Calvin A. Hall, and W. S. Moore, Jacob Paulk, Jacob Hall, Thomas Young and Daniel Drawdy were appointed appraisers. FREE MAN OF COLOR. On January 22, 1844, the court passed an order that Moses Powell's name be registered in the clerk's office as a free man of color and James L. Wilcox was appointed his guardian. At the January term, 1845, the will of Leonard Harper was presented and probated; the witnesses were Andrew McCelland and Fleming B. Harper. At the January term, 1846, Miles Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Barrentine were appointed administrators upon estate of Jacob Barrentine. At September term, 1846, William Fletcher was appointed administrator upon the estate of Andrew Dorminy and Manassa Henderson, David Branch, Jesse Hobby, George W. Warren and A. P. Clements were appointed appraisers. At same term of court, Jacob Young was appointed administrator on estate of Thomas Young. Jacob Paulk, George Paulk, Sr., John Henderson, Joseph A. Turner and William Fussell were appointed appraisers. John Henderson, George Paulk, Sr., Jacob Paulk and William Fussell were appointed to distribute all the stock of cattle between the heirs of said estate. At December term, 1847, John B. Dorminy and William Fletcher, executors of the last will and testament of John Dorminy, Sr., presented the will for probate and the court appointed George Paulk, David Branch, Manassa Henderson and Jesse Hobby and John W. Walker, appraisers. On April 28, 1822, the appraisers of the estate of Jacob Bradford appraised two hundred and eighteen head of cattle at five dollars per head. On January 11, 1823, the appraisers of the estate of Murdock McDuffie appraised nine hundred head of cattle at $4,500; also the following Negroes were appraised: Nancy, $500.00; Cherry and child, $500.00; Penny and child, $600.00; Mirah, $600.00; Rachel, $350.00; Maranda, $300.00; Vina, $250.00; Crusy, $300.00; Cloa, $250.00; Eddie, $200.00; Stepeny, $100.00; Bill, $650.00; Prince, $200.00; Peter, $600.00; Lewis, $600.00; Demps, $400.00; Abram, $200.00. In 1835, the appraisers on estate of Ludd Mobley appraised eight hundred head of cattle at $3,200 and the following Negroes: Toney, $900.00; Baskas, $900.00; Henry, $900.00; Mike, $700.00; Rachel, $600.00; Judge, $600.00; Dafeny, $450.00; Sally, $350.00; Lindy, $400.00; Ben, $300.00; Aaron, $350.00; Arch, $300.00; Lewis, $250.00; Adam, $275.00; Bill, $200.00; Mirah, $225.00; Hannah, $200.00; Jane, $175.00; Abe, $150.00; Robert, $175.00; George, $100.00. At the sale of Thomas Hunter, deceased, held in August, 1837, one Negro, Wiley, was bought by George R. Reid for $1,162.00; one girl named Beck, was bought by Rebecca Hunter for $606.00; one girl named Mary was bought by Jesse Hobby for $1,005.00; one woman named Hailey was bought by John B. Jenkins for $625.00; one man named Harry was bought by James McDonald for $725.00. At the sale of John B. Dorminy, Sr., in 1848, lot of land number forty-one in third district of Irwin County, being the place upon which John W. Paulk now lives brought $200.00. At January term, 1849, John Paulk, Elias D. McCelland and G. G. M. Harper, appraisers of the estate of Elijah Paulk, filed report of Negroes appraised at $1,475.00 and two hundred seventeen head of cattle, $868.00. On June 24, 1850, Thomas L. Willcox, William Fussell and W. Pridgen, appraisers of the estate of Wilson L. Mobley, appraised the following Negroes: Sally, a woman, fifty-five years old, $150.00; Jane and daughter, eighteen, and four years old, at $1,000.00; William, eighteen years old, $900.00; Peter, ten years old, $500.00. On January 5, 1852, the sale bill of G. W. M. Young, administrator of the estate of J. C. Young, showed that one Negro woman and child were bought by Jesse Hobby for $781.25; one boy was bought by J. N. Ford for $752.75; one girl was bought by Robert G. Ford for $800.50; one boy was bought by Samuel Young for $686.50; one boy was bought by Thomas Young for $500.00; one woman was bought by John A. Ford for $910.00. On September 26, 1851, Miles Fitzgerald, David McCall, James L. Willcox and Jasper M. Luke, appraisers of the estate of William Tomberlin, filed their report. On July 16, 1852, John Henderson, George Paulk and Henry Paulk, appraisers on the estate of Eli Vickers, filed their appraisement; James Paulk and Rebecca Vickers were the administrators. Among other things appraised were the following Negroes: Tom, valued $450.00; Mint, a woman, $300.00; Rachel and child, $1,000.00; Lydia and two children, $1,300.00; Margaret and girl, $750.00; Nancy and child, $450.00; Peter and boy, $600.00; Jerry, $600.00; Terry, $550.00; Harrits, a girl, $450.00; Nancy, $300.00; Tom, $800.00. On August 3, 1852, Fleming B. Harper, Henry Paulk and G. J. M. Harper, appraisers of the estate of Wiley Vickers, filed their report. Among other things appraised were the following Negroes: Jack, $600.00; Punta, a woman, $300.00; Mary and child, $700.00; Cit, a woman, $500.00; Isaac, $650.00; Sealy and child, $800.00; Joel, $650.00; July, $600.00; Allen, $500.00; George, $500.00; Bet, a girl, $375.00; George, $300.00; Mindy, $300.00; Judy, $225.00. On July 19, 1852, Joel Lott, Thomas Paulk and Henry Paulk, appraisers on the estate of John Faulk, filed their appraisement. And among other things appraised were the following lots of land, to wit: Lot three hundred forty, valued $700.00; lot three hundred forty-eight, $200.00; lot three hundred forty-seven, $100.00; lot one hundred eleven, $125.00; lot one hundred twelve, $1,000.00; lot three hundred seven, $100.00; lot three hundred five, $75.00. Smith Turner and Samuel Brown were the executors of the estate of Philip Brown. John B. Dorminy and William Fletcher were the executors on the estate of Rachel Dorminy and filed sale bill of personal property in April, 1852. Two Negroes were sold to William Whiddon for $1,206.00. William Winderweedle was the administrator of the estate of William Tomberlin and filed sale bill of personal property, which was sold October 4, 1851. Joel Lott and John Vickers were administrators of the estate of Wiley Vickers, which estate was appraised July 23, 1853. Among other property appraised were sixteen Negroes valued, $17,000.00. James L. Willcox was the administrator of estate of John W. Willcox and S. D. Fuller, Owen D. Mulkey and Stephen Bowen were the appraisers who filed their report June 3, 1853. Redding F. Hunter and David E. Hunter were the administrators of the estate of Elijah Hunter and Samuel McCall, David McCall and Wright Tomberlin were the appraisers. Their report was filed April 24, 1854. H. J. G. Williams was the executor of the estate of John Tomberlin. This estate owned twenty-one Negroes and thirty-six 490-acre lots of land. James Paulk and Mary Van Fletcher were the administrators on the estate of William Fletcher, and James Paulk, Jehu Fletcher and David Branch were the appraisers. They filed their report January 26, 1856. Jehu Fletcher and Millie Branch were administrators of estate of David Branch, and Jesse Hobby, James W. Whiddon and James T. Branch were the appraisers. At the sale of personal property Zara Paulk bought the Testament, paying $1.00 for it. John D. and Wootsen Willcox were executors of the estate of George Willcox, and James L. Willcox, John B. Dorminy, S. D. Fuller and Archibald McKinnon were the appraisers. There were nine heirs of this estate, one of whom was Hon. Thomas D. Willcox. There were fifty-seven Negro slaves divided between these heirs. John W. Fletcher was administrator of the estate of Mary Van Fletcher, and Jehu Fletcher, H. T. Townsend, James Branch and R. W. Clements were the appraisers and filed their appraisement December 19, 1860. The estate was appraised at $4,729.11. At the sale of personal property, Azor Paulk bought the Bible for $2.00. May 17, 1861, Jacob Paulk, Charles Roberts, James Fletcher and Jehu Fletcher, appraisers of the estate of James Paulk, filed their report. The estate was appraised at $22,106.33. Of this amount, $8,050.00 was in Negro slaves. Reason Paulk and Zara Paulk were the administrators. The sale bill of this estate was filed, April 7, 1862, during the war and the Negroes when sold brought the following prices: One man sold to F. Paulk, $800.00; one man to E. Paulk for $1,100.00; one man to Reason Paulk, $1,350.00; one woman to F. Paulk, $400.00; one woman to Reason Paulk, $200.00; one woman to Zara Paulk, $885.00; one girl to Zara Paulk, $680.00; one girl to James Paulk, $610.00; one girl to Millie Paulk, $300.00. James C. Sumner was administrator of the estate of Burrell B. Sumner. This estate was appraised on June 14, 1862, by Jehu Fletcher, James W. Whiddon, James Fletcher and John Ross. Jehu Fletcher was administrator of the estate of Jesse J. Luke. This estate was appraised September 15, 1862, by Jesse C. Sumner, James C. Sumner and John Ross, appraisers. October 27, 1862, the estate of W. D. Ross was appraised by John W. Walker, A. R. Chandler, D. M. Hogan and J. T. Branch. Mr. Ross owned lot of land number one hundred twenty-one in the second district upon which is located the Ross Lake. October 13, 1862, George Paulk, D. J. Finn, Jehu Fletcher and James Paulk were appointed appraisers on the estate of Henry S. Townsend. January 16, 1863, A. P. Clements, Zara Paulk, D. M. Hogan and George Young were appointed appraisers on the estate of Richard H. Smith. On March 18, 1863, C. M. McRae, W. A. Willcox and J. B. Dorminy were the appraisers of the estate of James Y. McDuffie, and Norman McDuffie was the administrator during the Civil War. Everything was very high as is evidenced from sale bill and appraisement. One watch was sold for $200.00; one colt brought $209.00; one horse, $400.00; eighty gallons of syrup, $320.00; two hundred four pounds of lard, $122.40; eight hundred thirty pounds of' bacon, $547.80; twenty-one sheep, $154.35; fifty-eight hogs, $319.58; one sword, $40.00; one razor, $8.25; one ax, $4.25; one coffee pot, $6.25; six goblets, $11.00; nine tumblers, $9.50; six plates, $6.00, and other things brought similar prices. One Negro man, forty years old, named Gerry, was appraised at $1,500.00; one boy, three years old, named Demps, $2,000; one man, twenty-seven years old, named Sam at $2,000; one woman and six children, named Adleline at $6,000; three children, ages eight, nine and twelve at $2,000 each; one boy, fifteen years old, $1,500.00; two women, $1,500.00. James Y. McDuffie was captain of company A in the Civil War, called the Irwin County Cowboys. December 13, 1862, J. W. Fletcher was administrator of Hiram Paulk, and George Paulk, Reason Paulk,. Jacob Young and James Paulk were the appraisers. Lott Whiddon, M. Henderson, A. P. Clements, D. M. Hogan and John Ross were the appraisers of the estate of Jesse Hobby, which estate was appraised June 11, 1863. Jesse Hobby was the father of Aunt Betsy Paulk, the wife of James Paulk and the mother of J. Y. and John B. D. and Frank Paulk. The sale bill shows this estate to have been worth $30,000.00. Everything sold very high, Negroes brought from $667.00 to $3,000.00 each. J. J. Henderson was the administrator of the estate of Godfrey Purvis and on August 2, 1870, Reason Paulk, James Paulk and Isaac Young filed their report as appraisers. R. W. Clements was administrator upon the estate of William Willis and sale of this property was on November 16, 1872. In December, 1852, A. P. Clements was appointed administrator upon the estate of Richard Story, who was drowned in Deep Creek during the Harrison Freshet. Mr. Story had been away from home on the opposite side of the creek from his home and while gone a very heavy rain came and upon his return to the creek he found it very full, too full to cross upon his horse. While stopped here opposite his home on the other side of the creek he heard his children playing at home and he remarked to the party who was with him that he was going home to his children and he undertook to swim the creek. He never reached home alive. It was supposed that he took cramp and drowned as he was afterwards found dead in the creek. J. A. J. Henderson was administrator of the estate of Reason Paulk. Sale of personal property was held on March 27, 1878. Jacob Young, James Paulk, John L. Mixon, J. W. Paulk and Macajah Tucker were the appraisers. J. W. Whiddon was administrator of the estate of M. Henderson, Sr., sale of personal property was held on October 8, 1878. J. W. Whiddon was administrator of the estate of Lott Whiddon, who died June 22, 1880, personal property was sold May 17, 1881, John A. Branch, W. J. Clements, G. W. Hamons, Jehu Branch and A. E. Clements were the appraisers. M. Henderson, Jr., was administrator of Daniel Henderson, sale of personal property January 1, 1883, and February 12, 1883. Solomon Roberts was administrator upon the estate of Charles Roberts, sale bill filed July 1st, 1889. J. B. F. McCall was administrator upon the estate of Lyman Dixon, and sale of perishable property, November 29, 1889. Wiley Whitley was administrator of the estate of George Whitley, who died August 15, 1876, and James Paulk, Sr., Jehu Fletcher, D. J. Henderson, John L. Mixon and John W. Fletcher were the appraisers. Jacob R. McCook was administrator of Daniel A. McCook and John McMillan, L. L. Lewis, Oscar Barron and Jacob Mc-Millan were the appraisers. June 20, 1870, Reason Paulk, Isaac Young, Macajah Tucker, James Paulk and Frederick Tucker, appraisers of the estate of Godfrey Purvis, filed their report. December 9, 1875, William Branch, Elbert Fletcher, John J. Sumner, James W. Whiddon and J. T. Branch appraised the estate of G. W. Warren, deceased. April 16, 1879, J. J. Henderson, A. P. Clements and J. J. Davis appraised the estate of M. Henderson, Sr., in Irwin County, and C. R. Land, George Spring, Barney Bass and Berrien Hobby, the appraisers in Worth County, filed their return. May 16, 1879, James Paulk, Sr., Thomas D. Willcox, E. G. Pridgen and J. R. McCook, appraisers of the estate of John B. Dorminy in Irwin County, filed their returns. Willis Dorminy was the administrator, and Thomas Paulk, M. C. Austin and M. J. McMillan were the appraisers for Berrien County and filed their returns June 23, 1879. Joshua Luke, one of the pioneer settlers of the county, died in 1883, and Marcus Luke and Nancy Luke were the administrators upon his estate, and R. W. Clements, John Walker, E. A. Johnson, T. T. Mauldin and Cornelious Clements were the appraisers. Aaron R. Chandler, another of the old settlers of the county, died in 1884. H. A. J. Gorday was the administrator, and M. Walker, Jonathan Walker, Thomas McMillan, Elbert Fletcher, Sr., and J. F. Burndrick were the appraisers. James Paulk was administrator upon estate of Jacob Paulk, and J. A. J. Henderson, H. Harper, D. J. Henderson, Wiley Whitley and J. W. Fletcher were the appraisers, who filed their report September 18, 1884. A. P. Clements, one of the original settlers of Irwin County, died July 7, 1886. An order was passed by the court of Ordinary to allow the heirs to divide the estate among themselves. His heirs were R. W., Jacob C., David, William J., A. E., the widow, Mrs. M. M. Mary E. Ross, Rachel Paulk, Sarah Warren, Sabra Smith and James I. Clements. PHYSICIAN. September term., 1864, the following order was taken, that Stephen T. Herd be appointed and hereby chosen as one of the exempt physicians for this county as the county of Irwin has not a resident physician in it; it is further the opinion of the court that a resident physician is importantly necessary. At the July term, 1868, the following order was taken, that Daniel McDuffie be allowed $3.50 for making a coffin for John McDonald of said county. Also that Abigale McDuffie be al-lowed the price of a saddle for her services for taking care of John McDonald in his sickness and death, which is $8.00. BONDS. The first bond on record .was that of John Sutton, Jr., as guardian for William R. Adams. The amount of the bond was $300.00. David Calaway was his bondsman and it was re-corded December 13, 1821. SLAVES. On February 27, 1865, there appears the following order on the record of official bonds of Irwin County: "We, the justices of the Inferior Court, having assembled by law for the purpose of placing to the best of our knowledge and belief the market value upon slaves of different ages in our county, do certify that we believe the following sums placed opposite age to be the fair market value in Confederate notes of the slaves of different ages in our county, to wit: "First-slaves under two years of age are worth $800.00; second-slaves from two to six years of age are worth $1,-000.00; third-slaves from six to twelve years of age are worth $1,500.00; fourth-slaves from twelve to sixteen years of age are worth $2,500.00; fifth-male slaves from sixteen to twenty-five years of age are worth $5,000.00; sixth-female slaves from sixteen to twenty-five years of age are worth $4,000.00; seventh-male slaves from twenty-five to thirty-five years of age are worth $5,000.00; eighth-female slaves from twenty-five to thirty-five years of age are worth $3,500.00; ninth-male slaves from thirty-five to forty-five years of age are worth $4,000.00; tenth-female slaves from thirty-five to forty-five years of age are worth $2,500.00; eleventh-male slaves from forty-five to fifty-five years of age are worth $2,500.00; twelfth-female slaves from forty-five to fifty-five years of age are worth $1,000.00; thirteenth-male slaves from fifty-five to sixty-five years of age are worth $1,000.00; fourteenth -female slaves from fifty-five to sixty-five years of age are worth $500.00. "Given under our hand and seal of office , this twenty-seventh of February, 1865. "George Young, J. I. C., James Paulk, J. I. C., D. M. Hogan, J. I. C., Reason Paulk, J. I. C." WIVES AND CHILDREN OF VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS. At September adjourned term, 1861, of the Inferior Court, a tax was levied of forty per cent on the general state tax for the purpose of maintaining the wives and children of the volunteers who had volunteered and gone to the war and S. B. Townsend, Zara Paulk and Aaron R. Chandler were appointed a committee to superintend and look after the wants of the wives and children of the volunteers in 982nd district; L. G. Young, William Hobby and John W. Fletcher in 901st district; John B. Dorminy, A. McMillan and William G. Dixon in 432nd district; Reason Paulk, James Fletcher and John Henderson in 518th district, and Jehu Fletcher and R. D. Sinclair in 690th district. At January term, 1862, George Paulk, county treasurer, received from the Inferior Court for the support of wives of soldiers, who volunteered for defense of Confederate States the sum of $275.50. At March term, 1862, John Ross was paid $12.10 for sup-plies furnished Mrs. Webb, and John W. Fletcher, $10.15 for supplies furnished Mrs. Howard, and James T. Branch, $7.50 for supplies furnished Susan E. Branch. At July term, 1862, John B. Dorminy was paid $45.64 for supplies furnished Mrs. Griffin, and Reason Paulk, $16.35 for supplies furnished Mrs. Hunter. At January term, 1863, A. P. Clements was paid $32.00 for hauling salt from Albany for the soldiers' wives. At January term, 1864, John Ross was paid $34.50 for going to Milledgeville after the money for the soldiers' wives. At January term, 1864, A. P. Clements was paid $125.00 for hauling salt from Albany for the soldiers' wives and children. At July term, 1864, the Inferior Court proceeded to distribute $10,937.00, it being a portion of the state funds for the soldiers' wives and children of this county and upon calculation the court "finds there is due $25.00 each child and woman, which money is distributed accordingly and paid George Young, $64.00 expenses laid out in going after the money due this county." COLORED PERSONS' MARRIAGES. The first colored couple to be married in Irwin County was Joseph Sears to Ellen Paulk, married on January 20, 1867, by Moses J. Tucker, J. P. The second couple to be married was Elias Paulk to Martha Paulk by James Paulk, Judge of Inferior Court on October 13, 1867. DIVORCES. The first divorce case brought in Irwin Superior Court was at the October term, 1850, thirty years after the county was organized and the case appears upon the record as Jemima Green vs. James. Green. An order was taken stating that defendant did not live in county or state and that rule be published in one of the public gazettes of the state once a month for three months, then case would be considered in default and plaintiff allowed to proceed. The next two divorce cases were placed on the docket at the October term, 1857, to wit: Sarah Powell vs. Craton Powell, and John A. Tayler vs. Susan Tayler. In the latter case the following verdict was rendered by the jury: "We, the jury, find the defendant guilty of the charge, October term, 1857." Signed Thomas J. Brantley, Foreman. ROADS. An act of the Legislature, approved December 15, 1857, provided that it shall be the duty of commissioners and overseers of the roads of Irwin County to have the several roads in said county cut out fifteen feet in width in lieu of twenty feet as is now provided by law. SHERIFF'S BONDS. An act approved December 19, 1829, of the Legislature provided that persons elected or appointed sheriffs of the counties of Irwin, Carroll, Early, Randolph, Rabun, Appling, Campbell, Screven, Lowndes and Lee, shall be required to give bond and security in the sum of $10,000.00 only for the faithful discharge of the duties of sheriff's office of said counties: any-thing in the forty-sixth section of the judiciary act of 1799 to the contrary notwithstanding. An act approved December 2, 1841, provided that all sheriffs hereafter elected for county of Irwin shall give bond in the sum of $5,000.00 only. TAX RECEIVER AND COLLECTOR. An act of the Legislature, approved December 25, 1837, provides that the office of tax receiver and collector so far as respect of the county of Irwin, are hereby consolidated and the persons elected respectively to discharge the duties of said offices shall receive as compensation for their services the fees now allowed by law for both offices. At the January term, 1850, the Legislature passed an act repealing the act of consolidating the offices of tax receiver and collector and provided that on the first Monday in January next a receiver of tax returns as well as collector be elected for Irwin County. On February 9, 1854, the Legislature passed an act consolidating the offices of tax collector and receiver. February 26, 1856, the Legislature passed an act providing that all laws heretofore passed consolidating the offices of tax receiver and collector be repealed. December 2, 1859, the Legislature passed an act providing that the offices of tax collector and receiver shall be held by one and the same person. IRWIN FACTORY COMPANY. An act of the Legislature, approved December 24, 1840, provided that William Bowen, Solomon H. Kenyon and Joseph Roberts, with all such persons as may hereafter become interested in said company, are incorporated by name of Irwin Factory Company. CENSUS. At the July term, 1824, James Allen was appointed to take the census of Irwin County. TAX. For the years, 1824, '25, '26, '27, '28, '29, '30, '31 and '32 a tax was levied for county purposes at 12 1/2% on state tax; for 1833, 6 1/4% was levied on the state tax; for 1834, '35, '36, '37 and '38 a tax was levied for county purposes of 25% on the general tax for county purposes; for the years, 1839, '40, '41 a tax of 50% on state tax was levied for county purposes and for the years, 1839, '40, '41, '42, '43 and '44 a tax of 10% on the state tax was levied for the poor; for the year, 1845, a tax of 121/2% on the state tax was levied for the poor; for the year, 1846, a tax of 12% was levied for county purposes and 8% for the poor; for the year, 1847, 25% was levied for county purposes; for the year, 1848, a tax of 25% was levied for county purposes, 8% for the poor; for the years, 1848, '49, a tax of 17% was levied for jail purposes, 8% for poor; and 25% for county purposes; for the years, 1850 and '51, a tax of 50% was levied for jail funds, 25% for county purposes and 5% for the poor; for year, 1852, a tax of 85%. was levied for all purposes; for year, 1853, a tax was levied, 20% for county purposes and 30% to build a new courthouse; for year, 1854, 25% was levied for county purposes and 25% to build new courthouse; for year, 1855, 70% was levied for county purposes and 10% for jury pay; for year, 1856, a tax of 125% on state tax was levied for county purposes; for year, 1857, 50% was levied for county purposes, 10% for the poor; for year, 1859, 10% on general state tax was levied for county purposes and 10% for educational purposes; for year, 1860, 40% on state tax was levied for county purposes and 25% for school purposes; for year, 1861, 40% was levied for wives and children of volunteers and 15% for school purposes; for year, 1862, 25% was levied for county purposes and 5% for school purposes; for year, 1863, 50% for county purposes; for year, 1866, 20% for county purposes; for year, 1869, 50% for building a jail; for year, 1870, 75% for county purposes; for years, 1871 and '73, 50% for county purposes; for year, 1874, 25% for county purposes; for year, 1875, 20% for county purposes; for year, 1877, a tax of 15% was levied on each $100.00 worth of property; for year 1878, 25% on each $100.00 worth of property; for year, 1879, 15% on each $100.00 worth of property; for year, 1880, 17% and 13% for courthouse; for year, 1881, 16% on each $100.00 worth of property; for year, 1882, 20% and 11% for courthouse; for year, 1883, 15 1/2% for county purposes, 16% for courthouse and 3 1/2% for poor; for 1885, 20% for county purposes and 4% for poor; for 1886, 35% for county purposes; for 1887, 48% for county purposes; for 1888, 40% on each $100.00 for county purposes and 5% for the poor; for 1889, 25% for county purposes and 6% for the poor; for 1890, 27% for county purposes and 16% for building jail and 4% for poor; for year, 1891, 18% for county purposes, 11% for jail, 3% for the poor; for 1892, 20% for county purposes, 3% for poor; for 1893, 15% for jury, 5% for jail, 6% for county court, 3% for bridges, 4% for the poor and 12% for county purposes. LIQUOR INSPECTOR. At January term, 1859. of the Inferior Court, Doctor G. E. White was appointed liquor inspector for Irwin County. THREE DAYS' ELECTION. A three days' election was held December 20, 21 and 22, 1870. J. Z. Sutton was sheriff and was paid $9.00 for his attendance. R. W. Clements, George Young and George Whitley were managers and James Paulk, Isaac Young and T. T. Mauldin were clerks and each were paid $9.00 for said service. INQUEST. At July term, 1854, of Inferior Court, David L. McCall administrator of Abram L. McCall, was paid $10.00 for said deceased's services as coroner on the body of Joseph Smith, deceased. At April term, 1855, Stephen Bowen, coroner, was paid $14.50 for holding inquest over body of James Johnson. The first inquest I find any record of was in 1837. Daniel M. Luke, coroner, was paid $16.25 for holding inquest over body of Benjamin Powell. On May 16, 1839, Daniel M. Luke, coroner, held an inquest about one half mile below Poor Robin Bluff on Ocmulgee River upon the body of Joseph Miller and jury returned verdict that deceased came to his death by intoxication and drowning. George R. Ried was foreman of the jury. At October term, 1870, David Branch was paid $10.00 for holding inquest upon John W. Chandler. At August term, 1877, Dr. D. F. McCrimmon was paid $10.00 for holding post mortem on body of Luke Merritt who was killed on November 18. 1876 by Joshua Welsh who escaped jail. COMMISSIONERS OF PATROL. At the July term, 1857, the following were appointed commissioners of patrol. 433rd district, C. M. Powers, Samuel D. Fuller, L. McCall; 982nd district, Jonathan Smith, A. P. Clements, Manassa Henderson; 901st district, B. B. Ransom, R. R. Ransom, L. M. Colberth, 518th district, Charles Roberts, Thomas King, John J. Henderson; 690th district, Jehu Fletcher, Jesse J. Luke, James T. Branch; 432nd district, Archibald McInnis, Thomas L. Will-cox. John B. Dorminy. At the January term, 1860, the following were appointed: 432nd district, William J. Mathews; 901st district, John Lyons. At the July term, 1862, David Watkins was appointed for the 432nd district. BRIDGE ACROSS HOUSE CREEK. At the March term, 1876, of Inferior Court, Simon Stanley was paid $100.00 for building a bridge across House Creek in 1855. INQUEST. February 10, 1882, an inquest was held over the body of James Fletcher, Jr., Dr. P. H. Hall was the physician. James L. Alexander and James Gibbs were committed to jail charged with murder. Jacob C. Young was employed to guard the jail. In 1885, an inquest was held over the body of Adam Paulk. Paulk was shot in the legs and one leg was removed but he died, therefore an inquest was held. LUNACY. The first lunacy trial I find any record of was at the June term, 1877, of the Ordinary Court, when William Roberts was tried and committed to the asylum. On June 18, 1880, Jacky Paulk, wife of Warren Paulk, was tried and committed to the asylum as also was Thomas Ellis. May 1883, Jane Gill was also tried and committed to the asylum. 1884, John Willis was adjudged an imbecile from old age and infirmity. In July 1884, Sarah Boyed was tried and committed to the asylum. In 1889, Sam D. Eason was committed to the asylum. May 20, 1891, Virgil Williams was also committed to the asylum. July 11, 1891, Mrs. M. T. Green was committed to the asylum. November 18, 1893, Francis C. Luke was adjudged insane and committed to the asylum. August 27, 1893, Reubin Grice was committed to the asylum. January 17, 1895, Lucy Mobley was adjudged insane and committed to the asylum. February 24, 1894, Willie Lawton was adjudged insane and committed to the asylum. February 18, 1896, Iscaten Batten was adjudged insane and committed to the asylum. FERRIES. At the January term, 1842, an order was passed by the Inferior Court establishing a ferry across the Alapaha River at a place known as Marshes Ferry. The rates were fixed as follows: man and horse, twelve and one-half cents; man, horse and cart, twenty-five cents; two-horse wagon, fifty cents; four-horse wagon, one dollar; pleasure carriages, one dollar; gigs, fifty cents; jersey wagons, thirty-seven and one-half cents; mules and horses, 3 cents per head; cattle, 3 cents per head, sheep and hogs, one and one-half cents per head; foot persons, free. Rates to be advertised at ferry. At same term of court a ferry was established across the Willacoochee where Coffee road crosses said creek and the above rates shall govern said ferry. At January term, 1856, Cornelious Tyson was granted authority to erect a ferry on Alapaha River on the Coffee road and he is allowed to charge the following rates: man and horse, six and one-fourth cents; horse and cart. twenty-five cents; four-horse wagon, fifty cents; horse and buggy, thirty-seven and one-half cents. At same term of court the bridge at same place across the Alapaha River was condemned. At July term, 1856, a public ferry was established on the Alapaha River known as the James T. Branch ferry, it being opposite his home and the following rates were fixed: man and horse, twelve and one-half cents; horse and cart, twenty-five cents; two-horse wagon, thirty-seven and one-half cents; four-horse wagon, fifty cents; peddler wagon, twenty-five cents; ox cart, twenty-five cents; horse and buggy, twenty-five cents. POOR. At January term, 1826, John Fitzgerald was appointed over-seer of the poor in McCall's district and Daniel McDuffie in Dixon's district. At the May term, 1838, James Paulk was appointed overseer of the poor. At March term, 1841, James Paulk was appointed commissioner of the poor. At January term, 1846, James D. Brown was appointed overseer of the poor. At the January term, 1847, Manassa Henderson was appointed overseer of the poor. CLERKS OF SUPERIOR AND INFERIOR COURTS. An act of the Legislature approved December 17, 1847, provided that clerks of Superior, Inferior and Ordinary courts shall be compelled to hold their offices at the courthouse. TERMS OF COURT. An act of the Legislature approved December 25, 1847, fixed the time of holding Superior Courts for Irwin County on Thursday after third Mondays in March and September. An act approved February 11, 1850, provided for Irwin Superior Courts to be held on Thursday after Fourth Mondays in April and October. An act approved February 28, 1856, provided for Irwin Superior Courts to be held on fourth Mondays in April and October. FISH. An act of the Legislature approved December 2, 1859, provided that if any person in Irwin County used any poisonous substance for the purpose of killing fish, he should be fined not less than $50.00. SENATORIAL DISTRICT. An act of the Legislature approved December 23, 1843, constituted the eleventh district which was composed of the counties of Irwin and Telfair. Later the state was redistricted and the fifteenth district was created composed of the counties of Irwin, Telfair and Montgomery. In the creation of new counties other counties were added to the fifteenth until there were seven counties in the district. Later the state was redistricted and the fourty-fifth district was created composed of the counties of Irwin, Ben Hill and Telfair. ADVERTISING. An act of the Legislature approved February 21, 1850, provided that it shall be lawful for clerks, sheriffs and coroners for the county of Irwin to publish sales, orders and other proceedings requiring publication in any public gazette in the city of Milledgeville, or Macon, in the Town of Albany in the county of Baker. From 1872 to 1883 county printing was done in Hawkinsville Dispatch. From 1883 to 1888 Hawkinsville Dispatch, also Hawkinsville News and Abbeville . Times. The first reference I find to publication of court proceedings was at December term, 1829, in case of George M. Troup, Governor, on information of William B. McGee vs. Charles B. Tabor. The following order was taken: "It appearing to the court by the returns of the sheriff that the defendant Charles B. Tabor is not to be found in the county and that there is no tenant in possession, it is on motion ordered that the defendant Charles B. Tabor be and appear personally or by attorney at the next term of this court to answer to said scire facias and that a copy of this rule be published in one of the public gazettes of this state once a month for three months before next term of this court." The next reference to publication was in case of Hamilton Sharpe vs. James A. Knight, foreclosure of mortgage; an order was taken to serve copy of rule on defendant personally or be published in some public gazette of this state once a month for some months. At March term, 1849, the Grand Jury recommended that their general presentments be published in the Federal Union. At the April term, 1856, the Grand Jury recommended that their presentments be published in Thomasville Watchman; at the April term, 1858, that their presentments be published in the Wiregrass Reporter; at the October terms, 1858, '59 and '60 that their presentments be published in Pulaski Times at Hawkinsville. MAIL ROUTES. A .resolution approved by the Legislature December 24, 1840, provided that our Senators and Representatives in Congress be requested and earnestly solicited to procure the establishment of a mail route from Irwinville in county of Irwin by John Henderson's thence by Mrs. Parish's in Lowndes County, on to Troupville in Lowndes County; and also from Irwinville in county of Irwin, on by Joseph Surrency's to Pindertown in county of Lee, to be carried on horseback or otherwise as may suit convenience of contractor at least once a week from each one of the aforementioned places to the other. Resolution approved December 17, 1859, requested representatives in Congress to use their influence to have mail routes through Worth, Irwin and Wilcox counties changed so as to facilitate the transmission of mail as the condition of mail routes through said counties are in a wretched condition. A resolution approved December 22, 1857, requested our Representatives and Senators in Congress to have a weekly horse mail route established from Waresboro in Ware County to Irwinville in Irwin County. JURORS' PAY. Pay of jurors and bailiffs was first nothing but was later made one dollar per day up to October term, 1887, when it was increased to two dollars per day. LAND PROCESSIONERS. At the May term, 1899, of the Ordinary's Court the following land processioners were appointed: For 1421st district: S. E. Coleman, J. L. Mixon and Frederick Tucker; for 901st district: David Clements, J. J. Fountain and Marcus Luke; for 518th district: Daniel Tucker, J. W. Henderson and William Grantham; for 432nd district: Wiley Whitley, D. T. Paulk and R. L. Paulk; for 690th district: James W. Whiddon, Sr., John Sumner and John Smith; for 982nd district: John Walker, J. J. Fountain and W. J. Clements. At the February term, 1899, of the Ordinary's Court the following were appointed: For 432nd district: M. Dixon, Jacob Dorminy and John McMillan; for 518th district: S. A. Burns, Lucius Luke and Luke Harper; for 690th district: B. B. Sumner, George W. Fletcher and J. J. Baker; for 901st district: Marcus Luke, William Rogers and David Clements; for 982nd district: W. J. Clements, R. E. Smith and John Walker; for 1388th district: W. M. Barnes, George P. Young and W. T. Whitley; for 1421st district: D. J. Hogan, D. J. Henderson and H. T. Fletcher; for 1529th district: Daniel Tucker, E. J. Young and Albert Sutton; for 1537th district: J. B. F. McCall, Eli Cutler and S. D. Walker; for 1550th district: Jacob Hall, J. W. Paulk and Henry Sutton. At the February term, 1899, of the Ordinary's Court, the following were appointed: For 432nd district: L. Robitzsch, George J. Harper and James Luke; for 518th district: S. A. Burns, Lucius Paulk and Luke Harper. LOTS OF LAND NUMBER TEN AND ONE HUNDRED. By virtue of the law passed by the Legislature in 1890, lots of land number ten and one hundred in each district of Irwin County which were never granted but were set aside by the state for educational purposes were sold at public outcry before the courthouse door and were bid off by the following persons: Lot number ten in second district to Betty Paulk, for $234.00; lot number ten in the third district to Joseph Fletcher for $238..00; lot number one hundred in third district to John Clements for $1001.00; lot number one hundred in fourth district to T. B. Young for $150.00; lot number one hundred in fifth district to William Grantham for $105.00; lot number ten in sixth district to T. B. Young for $1500.00; lot number one hundred in sixth district to George Young for $75.00. DEPUTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT. Miss Mattie W. Moore was appointed deputy clerk Superior Court, January 10, 1919, which position she still occupies, filling the same efficiently and creditably. She was the first lady in Georgia to be honored with this position. WOOL CARDING. About the year 1870, R. W. Clements purchased and erected about one mile west of Irwinville a wool carding machine which was operated by water power. There were two machines, one of which the wool was carried through called the picker which picked or tore the wool all to pieces or separated it into small particles or strands. The wool thus separated or picked as it was then called was taken up in baskets and carried to a much larger machine called the carder where it was manufactured into rolls. When the machine finished the operation the rolls of wool would fall into a box or trough at one end of machine which was about three and a half feet long. The rolls when completed would be about the size of the index finger of a man's hand, about three and a half feet long already to be spun into thread upon the old fashioned spinning wheel. If the person having the wool carded desired to make white cloth the wool was brought to the machine well washed and only white wool was used. If they desired black or brown cloth the wool was dyed at home the color desired, if they desired gray cloth the white and wool dyed black was mixed at the machine and from these mixed rolls would be spun into thread and woven into cloth upon the old fashioned loom by the ladies of the household, making as pretty gray jeans cloth as could be found. This wool carding machine for a number of years did an enormous amount of work, being patronized by many families for many miles in the county as well as all the neighboring counties as wool carding machines in those days were very few and long distances apart. Additional Comments: From "History of Irwin County" by J. B. Clements (1932) This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 58.1 Kb